John Eugene "Gene" Wheeler

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Gene’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, integrity, and love. Born on July 13, 1941, in Omaha, NE, Gene was the eldest of three children. He grew up in a family that instilled in him the values of faith, hard work, kindness, and generosity. After graduating from high school in La Grange, IL, Gene attended Lyons Township Jr. College, where he graduated with an Associate of Arts degree, majoring in Engineering.

After working at several jobs upon graduating, Gene was drafted into the US Army in 1964. He was transferred to Ft. Sill, OK as an OJT (on-the-job training) supply clerk with the rank of Private. Within several weeks, he managed a transfer from Supply Clerk to Athletics & Recreation Specialist for the U.S. Army Artillery and School Command. He spent the balance of his two years of duty organizing and running year-round sports programs for 6,000 officers and enlisted men. Gene was honorably discharged on January 23, 1966, with the rank of Specialist 5th Class. By then, he had married his first wife, Rita Marie Fowler (d. 1983), in January of 1965, followed by the births of his two children, Joanne (November 1965) and Eric (August 1967).

In March of 1966, Gene began his corporate career as a Sales Engineer for FMC Corporation, where he was responsible for sales of fluid control products made by Chiksan and Weco Divisions of FMC in the Chicago area. From there, he went on to have a distinguished career in international and national sales and marketing spanning over 5 decades, working for companies such as Mueller (where he met his loving wife, Cindy) as Marketing Manager for the Gas Division, and Eclipse, where he served as V.P. General Manager, for the Gas Service Group, and then V.P. of Business Development.

Gene’s ability to communicate and his calm, assured, professional manner made him a natural in the field of sales. This is evidenced by the growth and achievement he experienced in his field, and the many increasing responsibilities and promotions that he handled with grace.

After attending night classes for three years, Gene earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from California State University-Fullerton in December of 1976.

Gene was a man of many interests, hobbies, and experiences. He could play a tough game of tennis or bridge, and then sit down and tell you about his travels throughout Europe and the Middle East. His most meaningful hobby was genealogy, which made sense considering how much family meant to him. His computer and research skills made this hobby an excellent fit for him, and his daughter Joanne hopes to carry on this pursuit in his honor.

Gene’s faith in God was the cornerstone of his life. He was an active member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Chatham, IL. His deep spirituality and generosity inspired many around him, and he often shared words of encouragement and wisdom that resonated with those seeking guidance.

Family was paramount to Gene. He married his beloved second wife, Cindy, in 1984, and together they merged two families, including Cindy’s children, Angie and Chris, and Gene’s children, Joanne and Eric. In a world where love often fades, the bond between Gene and Cindy shone brightly and unwaveringly. Their relationship was a beautiful testament to devotion, marked by countless shared moments of joy, laughter, and support. Together, they navigated life's challenges hand in hand, always prioritizing each other's happiness.

Gene believed in treating others with respect and dignity, making him an exemplary role model not only for his family but for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His laughter could light up a room, and his gentle spirit brought comfort to those in need.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; children, Joanne Zwiers (Jeff) and Eric Wheeler; stepchildren, Angie Coslow and Chris Bergschneider; grandchildren, Kristan Jones, Rachel Coslow, and Austin Coslow; great grandson, Jameson Jones; sisters, Jane Vodicka and Mary Frank, sister-in-law, Jane Wills (David); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rita (d. 1983); and parents, Warren (d. 2003) and Cleda (d. 1999).

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, IL. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Joseph Molloy officiating.

Burial will follow at Friends Creek Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with military honors provided by Macon County Honor Guard and U.S. Army Burial Detail.

Gene will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his unwavering faith, love for family, and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.

His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' Matthew 25:23